The Healthy Planet Magazine

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Goodnight GardensBy Linda Wiggen Kraft,Green & Growing EditorIn the great garden of greenthere are memories of the growi...
12/11/2025

Goodnight Gardens
By Linda Wiggen Kraft,
Green & Growing Editor

In the great garden of green
there are memories of the growing season to be seen.

The herbs of parsley, rosemary and sages
and the towering tomatoes grown in cages.

The glorious colorful flowers
that rejoiced in the rain and gentle showers.

The honey, mason and native bees
that pollinated the fruits of the trees.

The tall evergreen white pines
that sheltered birds and climbing vines.

The dogwood with robins, eggs and babies in the nest
the parents seldom getting a rest.

The garden-bench and nearby chair
the soft breeze and fragrant air.

The sun, moon and stars watching from above
knowing the gardener and garden are united in love.

Good night garden of green.
Goodnight all to be seen.
Goodnight flowers.
Goodnight gentle showers.
Goodnight bees.
Goodnight trees.
Goodnight pines.
Goodnight vines.
Goodnight robins in the nest.
Goodnight babies giving them rest.
Goodnight garden-bench and chair.
Goodnight fragrant air.
Goodnight sun, moon and stars from above.
Good night gardener and garden united in love.
Goodnight now to chilled winter’s air.
Goodnight gardens everywhere.

Linda Wiggen Kraft thanks J.B. Lester and Susan Hunt-Bradford for the many years of making The Healthy Planet a beloved St. Louis publication, and thanks all the readers for so many years of support. Linda is very busy with her large garden, painting, pottery and bi-coastal grandparenting. Her monthly blog and newsletter highlight it all, subscribe to it and find out more at www.CreativityForTheSoul.com.

Tidy Up for the Holidays!Katie's Cleaning ServiceKatie’s Cleaning Service, now in its 11th year, is currently looking fo...
12/10/2025

Tidy Up for the Holidays!
Katie's Cleaning Service

Katie’s Cleaning Service, now in its 11th year, is currently looking for bi-weekly and monthly customers located in Webster Groves, Kirkwood and the South County area.

Katie’s Cleaning Service offers you the best cleaning services you can find. We are dependable, trustworthy and we go the extra mile, always paying attention to details.

Independently owned and operated, Katie’s Cleaning Service brings you over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry. Katie’s Cleaning Service always strives to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. Every one of our customers’ homes is custom cleaned, based upon their needs.

Our customer base includes busy professionals, senior citizens, as well as families that have better things to do with their time than clean their homes. Our customers rave about our professionalism, the thoroughness of our cleanings and the peace of mind they experience knowing their spaces are in expert hands.

We also use pet friendly cleaning products and can give your “special family member” the attention they may need while you are at work. From a friendly pat on the head to letting them out in the yard to get some exercise.

Our motto is “Quality Shine Every Time”. We now also offer cat sitting while you are away.

If interested, call today to get your free no obligation quote. 314-706-0413.

The Path Home to GodBy Janet StarrNearly 35 years ago, I set out on a quest to find a spiritual teaching that would help...
12/09/2025

The Path Home to God
By Janet Starr

Nearly 35 years ago, I set out on a quest to find a spiritual teaching that would help me understand how God speaks to me. Growing up in church, I prayed every day but sensed there was more beyond that. Every religion and faith helps the seeker to connect in a way that works for them. It was my personal mission to connect with God in a better way. Not one of duty, but of love. One day a friend handed me a book on the teachings of Eckankar. The moment I read it, I felt completely uplifted. It felt familiar and comfortable. Truth seemed to be written on every page. There was a spiritual exercise to try. An active exercise using contemplation. I was to sit in a quiet place and sing the word HU, a love song to God. After several minutes, a beautiful white light engulfed my inner vision. A tremendous pure, divine love flowed through and around me. The experience was overwhelming — I could only silently say thank you repeatedly. After it stopped, gratitude filled my heart. Every day I practiced singing HU and connected with God. It was not the same each time, but my awareness and perception became increasingly attuned to how the Holy Spirit guided me through the challenges of daily living. I found myself giving and receiving divine love more in every moment. My attitude changed. Challenges did not happen to me, but for me. Miracles were everywhere. It was not all roses and rainbows, but the difference was being able to see the spiritual lesson. I began to grow spiritually and that made my life better. My life became a spiritual journey, an adventure.

Recently, I attended an Eckankar Soul Adventure Seminar in Minneapolis. Thousands of people attended from all over the world sharing their stories and experiences. The atmosphere was electric! I also made a visit to the Temple of ECK. The term ECK means Holy Spirit. The fall air, sitting in the sanctuary, and walking the trails, brought healing to a recent situation in my life.

If you would like to experience Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom, you are invited to watch the seminar highlights as a guest beginning November 24 online at eckankar.org. Local Info for events: eckankar-missouri.org. Soul Adventure Podcast: click here

12/09/2025

Gambino: The Lover Boy Who Just Wants His Person

Gambino’s story begins the way no dog’s should. He spent most of his life covered in urine, neglected, underweight, and without anyone to show him safety or love. He was confiscated by police due to cruelty and neglect, and when he finally arrived at CARE, he carried the quiet sadness of a dog who had never been someone’s priority.

Despite everything he has survived, Gambino is—at his core—a fiercely loyal, affectionate, devoted companion. What he lacks in independence, he more than makes up for in heart. He is the definition of a “lover boy,” the type of dog who melts into you, watches your every move, and believes his purpose in life is to be right by your side.

Because people have failed him, Gambino clings tightly to the ones who show him kindness. He bonds deeply and sees his person as the safest place in his world. He tends to trust women more easily and would thrive with a confident, patient female handler who can help him rebuild his sense of security. He isn’t pushy—he’s just a dog who finally knows what love feels like, and doesn’t want to lose it again.

Gambino is house-trained, cuddly, and incredibly sweet, but he’s still learning about life. He hasn’t been introduced to other dogs or cats or children yet, so he’d do best in a home that can take things slowly or one where he can be your one-and-only shadow and snuggle buddy.

Medically, after arriving underweight, our vet team noted that while his condition wasn’t life-threatening, he may have decreased energy from his prior neglect. He also has mild dental disease—inflamed gums but no severe attachment loss—something very manageable with routine care.

Emotionally, Gambino carries some anxiety from his past. His FAS score is 3, meaning he shows visible signs of stress like pacing, panting, or avoiding things that scare him. But with compassion, structure, and consistency, this boy will absolutely blossom.

❤️ Why Gambino Matters

He isn’t just looking for a home—
He’s looking for the first person he can finally trust with his whole heart.

If you want a dog who will adore you endlessly, follow you like your shadow, shower you with affection, and make you feel loved and protected every single day…Gambino is your boy.

He’s waiting for someone who sees past the scars and falls in love with his softness, his sweetness, and his incredible resilience. Please email [email protected] or [email protected] if you want to meet him.

6 years old, 76 lbs of love ❤️

Head for parts Un-Gnome, and Roam for Gnomes on a Winter Adventure at Giant City State ParkGiant City GnomesTucked in th...
12/08/2025

Head for parts Un-Gnome, and Roam for Gnomes on a Winter Adventure at Giant City State Park
Giant City Gnomes
Tucked in the stunning Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a hidden gem offering a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and light adventure travelers. One of the park’s highlights is the annual wintertime “Gnome Roam”, inviting visitors to explore seven different trails while searching for whimsical winter gnomes scattered along the trails, just waiting to be discovered. The park provides a magical setting for adventure seekers December through February when the Gnome Roam commences!

The Trails
The Gnome Roam meanders through a picturesque landscape of seven well-maintained trails, offering a perfect balance of natural beauty and exploration. These relatively easy trails are accessible to most ages and skill levels. The paths wind through towering trees, sandstone rock formations (the “Giants” of Giant City), and ephemeral creeks, with each twist revealing the park’s serene environment.

Winter on the trails can be magical. The sun glistening on icicles and frostflowers, alongside sightings of forest creatures like deer and woodpeckers, creates a striking contrast with the landscape. As you wander, take a moment to pause and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Listen for the crunch of leaves or snow underfoot and the gentle rustle of branches swaying in the winter breeze. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, making this a perfect outing for nature lovers.

Dress warmly in layers, and don’t forget your phone or camera—the gnomes make fantastic photo ops against the wintry backdrop, and there are even rewards for finding them!

Explore the Gnome Roam on These Trails:
Giant City Nature Trail: 1 mile
Devil’s Stand Table Trail: 1/3 mile
Indian Creek Trail: ¾ mile with a creek
Arrowwood Trail: ⅓ mile next to the Visitor’s Center
Post Oak Trail: ⅓ mile with paved access
Trillium Trail: 2 miles with sandstone bluffs; a more rugged trail
Stone Fort Trail: ⅓ mile (one of 11 late woodland Indigenous sites in Illinois)
Each of the seven trails has a rosy-cheeked gnome hidden on the trail… and those sneaky guys move around! When visitors find one, they should record the date, trail name, and what the gnome is holding or snap a picture of the gnome… even better, take a selfie with the gnome!

When visitors have completed the trails (over a day or two, or up to three months!), they take their proof (the list or the photos – all seven) to the Giant City Visitor Center for a cool gnome patch. The Visitor Center is open most days from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Please note that hours may change around the holidays or for weather issues, so you may need to return to claim your patch, plan accordingly.)

Tips for Hiking in Winter

Dress in Layers: While the winter here is generally mild, winter weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to stay comfortable during your hike.
Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, check the weather. Winter weather can impact accessibility, be prepared.
Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a small first aid kit. Hiking sticks can be helpful for trails that involve a climb. Even on shorter hikes, being prepared for the unexpected is essential.
Capture the Magic: Be sure to charge your devices—phone or camera—to capture photos with the gnome sculptures along the trails. The trails are open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.
Gnome Roam Lodging Discount
Save 10% on a 2 night or more stay at select lodging during December through February with the code: GnomeRoam at the following location links: (if no place to enter the code, message the property for the Gnome Roam discount)

Southern Illinois vacation rentals
The Dome at Blueberry Hill
Oak Grove Cabins
Cabin at Mt. Glen
Windy Hill Acres Inn
Rocky Comfort Cabins
Shawnee Hills Hideaway
Visiting the Gnome Roam at Giant City State Park combines the beauty of nature with a touch of whimsy. From hiking among mesmerizing forests and gnome sculptures to enjoying local culinary delights and cozy accommodations, your winter getaway promises to be filled with adventure and lasting memories. Embrace the spirit of exploration and create your winter tale in this beautiful corner of Southern Illinois. Whether you’re trekking with family or seeking a peaceful retreat, the Gnome Roam is sure to leave you with a smile and cherished memories! Visit: www.southernmostillinois.com

Discover How Ayurveda Can Bring You Back Into BalanceHonor your uniqueness while improving wellness and energy through t...
12/07/2025

Discover How Ayurveda Can Bring You Back Into Balance

Honor your uniqueness while improving wellness and energy through the principles of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom.
By Dale Wilke, M.S., LMT

Every body is different, and Ayurveda recognizes and celebrates this truth. As one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems, Ayurveda teaches that we are each made up of a unique blend of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. The balance of these elements shapes everything about us, including our physical structure, how we digest food and emotions, how we handle stress, and even how we move and communicate. Understanding this framework helps explain why two people can respond so differently to the same foods, routines, or stressors.

We often wish our body, energy, or temperament were different, comparing ourselves to others, pushing against what feels natural, or judging what we think “should” be. Ayurveda offers a way out of that struggle. It helps us understand who we are by nature and how to work with our individual constitution rather than against it.

When we understand our personal tendencies and what brings us into balance or throws us off, it becomes easier to make daily choices that support greater harmony in body, mind, and spirit. This knowledge can open the door to more clarity, vitality, and genuine self-acceptance. If you have been feeling disconnected from your body, frustrated that your healthy choices do not seem to be working, or coping with the impacts of illness, Ayurveda may hold the missing piece.

What Clients Report
Clients often report gaining new insight into how their daily choices influence digestion, cravings, energy, and emotional balance. They begin creating sustainable habits that help them feel better and understand why certain tendencies have followed them for years. Ayurveda becomes especially supportive when you have guidance tailored to your unique constitution.

Services

Dale Wilke, Ayurveda Practitioner at You Center Wellness, offers Foundational Assessments to help you understand your constitution and create a personalized plan for balance and vitality. For those who prefer deeper learning, Dale also offers five-hour educational workshops for small groups of four or more, ideal for families, yoga studios, wellness centers, or private gatherings. For an at-home resource, Dale created a 40 page Living Ayurveda Guide that provides foundational information, self-assessments, and protocols.

Learn how Ayurveda can support your whole health journey by scheduling a personalized assessment, purchasing your guide, or booking a group workshop.

If you are looking to share wellness with others this season, our Holiday Gift Card Event offers a $20 “Thank You” service credit for every $100 or more in gift cards you purchase for someone else, valid through December 31, 2025. More details are available at YouCenterWellness.com/events.

Dale Wilke, M.S., LMT
You Center Wellness | Brentwood, MO
314-200-5330 | YouCenterWellness.com

Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms are reversibleOur medical director, Helen Gelhot, M.D., has consistently embraced cutt...
12/06/2025

Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms are reversible

Our medical director, Helen Gelhot, M.D., has consistently embraced cutting-edge technologies to reverse symptoms of and prevent chronic disease. Since the inception of her practice in 2008, she has been wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing the sacred doctor-patient relationship. Taking an integrative medical approach -functional or holistic- she employs both natural and pharmaceutical elements as needed; Dr. Gelhot uses the best of both worlds for her patients.

Logically, we are now an established FDA-approved infusion center, specializing in the symptom reversal of Alzheimer’s and dementia. New research shows Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms are reversible and absolutely preventable. Find more information on our website AdvancedWellnessMedical.com. Call us at (314) 576-0094 and get tested.

“Throughout my medical education we were taught there was no hope for Alzheimer’s or dementia. Now, since watching my patients undergo treatment, they and their families report feeling alive again while thinking, focusing and sleeping better. They have the ability once again to anticipate social engagements and perform routine chores.”

— H.T. Gelhot, M.D.
With her comprehensive, integrative approach Dr. Gelhot meticulously addresses the root cause of illness with a strong emphasis on prevention and reversal strategies. We have achieved absolute heart attack and stroke prevention amongst our patient population. Virtually all heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. Most heart attacks happen well before there is significant blockage that could be detected on a nuclear or treadmill stress test. So, the key is to get tested early to change the direction of your path and your life span. Advanced Wellness Medical has the technology to detect early cardiac events before they occur.

Genetics may load the gun, but you pull the trigger by your action or inaction. When we say prevention, we are not talking about pie-in-the-sky ideas of eating better, exercising, etcetera. We are referring to specific measurable markers for the heart and brain. Actionable markers that change our health span and our lifespan are found in specific blood tests or scans we order for you.

The mission of Dr. Gelhot and her team is to empower you to feel better, think more clearly, and ultimately live a longer, more fulfilling life. The necessary, first and best step to reverse symptoms and prevent disease is to call our office for early testing. Make an appointment at Advanced Wellness Medical and call us Monday-Friday 9am-4pm at (314) 576-0094.

ARTful LivingCelebrate and Support the Arts This Holiday SeasonBy Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,Healthy Planet Arts EditorIm...
12/05/2025

ARTful Living

Celebrate and Support the Arts This Holiday Season
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet Arts Editor

Image: Winter Celebration at St. Louis Art Museum

As the year comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the ARTful experiences of 2025:

Did you attend a play? A dance performance? A concert? Which exhibitions did you view?

This year brought far too many harsh challenges to the ARTS, in our region and nationwide, so your support remains more important than ever before. To that end, I urge you to consider the gift of tickets or a piece of artwork when you plan holiday gift-giving for those on your list. A gift membership with any one of the awesome art institutions in our area provides ARTful opportunities throughout the year for the recipient, as well as much-needed support to these organizations. Most especially, a year-end donation to any of St. Louis’ fine ARTS entities would make a huge difference for the upcoming year, too. The ARTS need YOU very much.

What would this holiday season be without the ARTS to lift spirits? Consider these suggestions:

On view through February 1 at the Pulitzer, 3716 Washington, is Jennie C. Jones: A Line When Broken Begins Again. Stop in for First Friday at the Pulitzer, December 5, 5-9 p.m. www.pulitzerarts.org

Through December 20, Bruno David Gallery, 7513 Forsyth, showcases Yvette Drury Dubinsky: Reconstruct; Heather Bennett: Remix; Chris Kahler: Flux; Patricia Olynyk: Black Swan in Three Variations. www.brunodavidgallery.com

The Gretchen Brigham Gallery presents Ben Bradshaw: Song, December 21-January 28, at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd. This artist is recognized for his unique inter-dimensional designs of indoor and outdoor paintings, sculpture, animation and yarn installations. www.union-avenue.org/agua

Through December 14, experience To See This Place: Awakening to Our Common Home, at MOCRA on St. Louis University’s campus. A most thoughtful consideration based on Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical of Laudato Si, on environmental responsibility. www.slu.edu/mocra/

Take the family to Winter Celebrations at the St. Louis Art Museum, December 13-14. Inspired by holiday tradition from around the globe, the event is free, offering performances and family art activities each day. While there, be sure to see Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea (through January 25), Patterns of Luxury: Islamic Textiles, 11th-17th Century (through January 4) or Always Modern: German Art & Design (through March 15). www.slam.org

Check out Print Bazaar on Cherokee Street, December 6, when 180 artists offer posters, prints, cards and more in storefronts, bars and venues throughout Cherokee. www.cherokeeprintbazaar.com

Frost & Fire combines glass and fashion as the holiday window display at Third Degree Glass, through December 27. Break out that ugly holiday sweater to wear to the Third Friday Celebration, December 19, 6-10 p.m. Food, fun, demos, and music by Dodging Potholes, at 5200 Delmar. www.thirddegreeglass.com

Illuminated Echoes is a full-length dance work created by award-winning Tommie-Waheed Evans for COCAdance, COCA’s modern/contemporary pre-professional dance company. The piece merges dance, sound, and visual art for an unforgettable experience, December 11-14. Joyful brings the talent and spirit of COCA’s Allegro Senior and Junior Vocal Companies with St. Louis Children’s Choirs to the stage at 6880 Washington on December 20. www.cocastl.org

Calling all Jane Austen fans! Jane Austen’s Emma is performed on the Rep stage, 130 Edgar Road, December 3-21. “Pride, prejudice and plenty of wit” nightly as “classic romance meets modern charm.” www.repstl.org

Charles Dickens meets Monkey-madness in a chaotic, irreverent twist on the ghost-filled classic, A Magic Smoking Christmas Carol, presented by Magic Smoking Monkey Theater, “proudly butchers the holiday classic in a most festive way,” December 4-7 at the Touhill. C’mon, we all need a good laugh!! www.umsl.edu/touhill/

Tickets to Christmas at the Cathedral are selling out quickly. Reserve yours now for the December 6-7 performances by St. Louis Archdiocesan Choir and Orchestra at the Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell. www.cathedralconcerts.org

The renovations on Powell Hall are truly spectacular! This holiday season is THE perfect time to enjoy St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, now back in its “home.” Mercy Holiday Celebration, December 20-23, features St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes performing holiday classics, along with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Ring the New Year in with style when conductor Stephane Deneve pays homage to his native France and adopted United States in the New Year’s Eve Celebration, December 31, 7:30 p.m. From Bizet’s L’Arlesienne to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, SLSO promises a night to remember. www.slso.org

On December 23, also at Powell Hall, the Bach Society performs its annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, 8 p.m. www.bachsociety.org

Whatever holidays you celebrate, I wish you peace and joy now and all the best for the new year.

Releasing Burdens That We HoldBy Dr. Gail CloudI had an experience recently where someone called me and told me about th...
12/05/2025

Releasing Burdens That We Hold
By Dr. Gail Cloud

I had an experience recently where someone called me and told me about the sticky situation, they had gotten themselves into which reminded me of something that happened with my father and how it affected me years before.

In the past, when something like this happened, I would get very upset and anxious and then I would compartmentalize the situation. If anyone asked me how I was, I would tell them I was ok.

This time I started like before where I became anxious and upset.

What I did next was different in an important way. Instead of compartmentalizing my feelings and putting them somewhere inside of me and in my body, to come out at a later time out of my control, I let myself feel my feelings. I let myself cry and feel scared. I felt sad for that person, for myself being in the position of having to help them, and I felt sad for my father and for me in being in this position for over 4 years with him during the time I cared for him after my mother died and he developed severe dementia.

I felt sad. I felt scared, I felt helpless, and for a few minutes I felt like I had to go out and save them. I even let myself feel guilty because I didn’t do that.

Then, I let go of the guilt. That is their issue and situation. I was able to give guidance, and then to let it go. I accepted that I was helpless in changing them or helping them other than giving advice.

I am not their savior. Dad was not my savior although he tried to be until he couldn’t.

And I began to feel relief. I could take a deep breath. And as I write this, I find I am taking deep relieving breaths. Just writing this helps me to release more of the need to be a savior. What a burden I have carried for years.

What are you releasing? What burden or burdens are you carrying?

Can you do or respond differently than you have in the past? And do you find yourself in the role of stepping in and having to save someone?

If you would like help with this process, and seeing your patterns, call me or email me to set up an appointment; www.bodypresencing.com.,

[email protected]., 314-995-9755.

I enjoy being a guide to you being your own agent of health

​Gail Cloud, D.C.
Healing the Root of the Matter
BodyPresencing; be-ing through presence

The Gift of Peace This Holiday SeasonDecember brings days filled with festive energy, joyful gatherings, and meaningful ...
12/04/2025

The Gift of Peace This Holiday Season

December brings days filled with festive energy, joyful gatherings, and meaningful traditions. It’s a season of magic, connection, and celebration—but also one that can feel overwhelming with packed schedules and long to-do lists.

At Vitality Unlimited Spa, we believe one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to yourself and those you love is the gift of relaxation, wellness, and peaceful moments that support the mind, body, and spirit.

Self-care is not indulgent. It is essential, especially during busy and emotionally-charged seasons. Pausing to focus on ourselves strengthens resilience, restores balance, and creates space for more genuine joy. Taking time to recharge allows us to show up with clarity, patience, and presence. Consider giving a service, product, or experience that encourages comfort, calm, and renewal this holiday season.

Spa Services

Vitality Unlimited Spa offers a menu of treatments designed to relax, restore, and inspire well-being. Treat yourself or gift someone special with one of these soothing experiences:

Nail Services: Professional manicures and pedicures revive tired hands and feet, leaving them soft, cared for, and completely renewed.

Facial Treatments: Relaxing facials support healthy, radiant skin while offering a deeply calming escape. Our Cranberry Cosmo Facial is packed with antioxidants and fruit enzymes to detoxify and brighten your skin this holiday season.

Massage Therapy: A Swedish Massage helps release tension, improve circulation, and gently quiet the mind for full-body relaxation, making it ideal for holiday stress relief.

Spa & Wellness Products

From luxurious bath salts, skincare, and body lotions to nail-care essentials, aromatherapy favorites, jewelry, and more, our spa and wellness products make thoughtful gifts. Combine with a service for a personalized self-care bundle or choose single items to spread comfort throughout your holiday list.

Spa Gift Cards

Not sure which service or item they’d love most? A Vitality Unlimited Spa gift card gives the freedom to choose the experience or products that feel right for them. It’s a thoughtful, versatile option for anyone who could use a moment of pause, pampering, or replenishment this season.

Create a Season of Presence and Peace

This holiday season, embrace calm and make room for well-being—both for yourself and those you cherish. Share the gift of serenity with gift cards, retail wellness items, and relaxing spa services available at Vitality Unlimited Spa or online at VitalityUnlimitedSpa.com. To schedule, call 314-968-1808.

Understanding Headaches Through a Functional Lens: My Personal Path Toward Helping You Find Migraine ReliefBy Dr. Amy Da...
12/04/2025

Understanding Headaches Through a Functional Lens: My Personal Path Toward Helping You Find Migraine Relief
By Dr. Amy Davis, M.D.

Headaches are something most people deal with at some point, but if you’re someone who struggles with migraines, you know they are far more than “just a headache.” They can interrupt your plans, your work, your relationships—your entire day. I know this personally. I’ve had migraines most of my life, and I remember how frustrating it felt to search for answers while only being offered medication after medication.

That experience is a big part of why I approach migraines the way I do today. In functional medicine, I don’t look at migraines as isolated events. Instead, I see them as messages from the body. Something—whether it’s hormonal shifts, inflammation, gut issues, nutrient deficiencies, food triggers, toxins, or even mitochondrial stress—is throwing things off balance. And when we take the time to uncover which of these factors are affecting you, that’s when real change becomes possible.

When you come to see me, our first step is a thorough conversation. We talk about your sleep, your eating habits, your stress levels, your health history, and the patterns you’ve already noticed around your headaches. If we need more information, I may recommend advanced testing to look at things like inflammation, nutrient levels, gut health, and hormone balance. This helps us build a plan that fits you—not a one-size-fits-all migraine checklist.

And yes, lifestyle factors matter. Many people are surprised by how much improvement they see when we stabilize blood sugar, identify food sensitivities, support detox pathways, or help regulate the stress response. Supplements, hydration, sleep routines, nervous system regulation – they all play a role. Medications can still be part of your plan if needed, but we use them in a way that supports long-term healing instead of relying on them as the only strategy.

Because I’ve lived with migraines, I understand the emotional side of all this—the discouragement, the trial and error, the fear of another flare. My goal at Crossing Back to Health is not just to treat symptoms but to walk with you through the process of understanding what your body needs to truly heal.

If you’re ready for a more personal, comprehensive approach to migraine relief, I would love to help you take that next step. Together, we can work toward fewer headaches, more energy, and a life that feels a lot more like your own again.

Dr. Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
485 Wildwood Parkway Suite 2
Ballwin, MO 63011
636 778-9158
www.crossingbacktohealth.com

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St. Louis, MO

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